A Lady’s apartment, with a window open and looking into a garden. LALAGE, in deep
mourning, reading at a table on which lie some books and a hand mirror. In the background JACINTA (a servant maid) leans carelessly upon a chair.

LALAGE. Jacinta! is it thou?

JACINTA. [Pertly] Yes, Ma’am, I’m here.

LALAGE. I did not know, Jacinta, you were in
waiting.

Sit down! — let not my presence trouble you —

Sit down! — for I am humble, most humble.

5

JACINTA. [Aside] ’Tis time.

[JACINTAseats herself in a side-long manner upon the chair, resting her elbows upon the back, and regarding her mistress with a
contemptuous look. LALAGEcontinues to read]